Women in Aviation celebrated at 2025 Airport Show
Women in Aviation – Middle East Chapter – made headlines this week as it concluded a landmark conference at Airport Show 2025 in Dubai. With a striking turnout and powerful messages of transformation, the curated event proved that inclusion in the regional aviation industry is no longer a distant goal but a movement gaining altitude and velocity.
Backed by high-level support and practical initiatives, the gathering was a rallying point for aviation professionals across the Middle East and beyond. It highlighted the achievements of female pioneers, spotlighted educational programmes, and mapped out a clear direction for the future of gender equity in a field traditionally dominated by men.
UAE sets regional standard for inclusion in aviation
Opening the Women in Aviation conference with conviction, Eng. Sheikh Salem bin Sultan bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Chairman of Ras Al Khaimah’s Department of Civil Aviation, affirmed the UAE’s role as a regional leader in women’s empowerment within aviation.
“In the UAE today, women are not only present—they are leaders,” he said. “With 42% of the aviation workforce comprised of women, the country stands as a regional benchmark. From aircraft engineering to operations management, Emirati women are shaping the future of this industry,” he said.
The sentiment set the tone for an event that balanced pride in past milestones with a forward-looking vision. Attendees included government leaders, aviation executives, aspiring professionals, and educators, all aligned around a central goal: expanding the space for women in every facet of aviation.
Mervat Sultan: Participation must translate to power
Taking the stage with a call for deeper engagement, Mervat Sultan, Founder and President of Women in Aviation – Middle East Chapter, underscored the need to move beyond visibility into meaningful influence.
“This isn’t about quotas or token gestures,” she declared. “We are not just asking for seats at the table—we’re here to lead. In cockpits, control towers, boardrooms, and labs, women must shape policy, innovate solutions, and drive progress.”
Sultan pointed to the doubling of participation since last year as evidence that the initiative’s reach is growing. With over 500 professionals involved this year, she stressed that real change is measured by numbers and the ecosystem built around them.
New scholarships and training to fuel momentum
Announcing concrete steps to sustain the momentum, Sultan revealed the launch of a new fully funded EASA ATPL (Airline Transport Pilot Licence) scholarship. This will be offered alongside free aviation fundamentals training and an emotional intelligence programme for pilots, developed in partnership with Airman Ground.
“These programmes aren’t symbolic—they’re practical responses to a real demand,” she explained. “We’re investing in women ready to take their skills to the next level, who want to lead not only with knowledge but emotional clarity and situational awareness.”
Honouring the women who broke barriers
Among the event’s most memorable moments was the recognition of iconic figures who paved the way for future generations. Captain Samran Omran, the first Arab woman to fly transatlantic routes in the 1980s, was praised as a pioneering force whose courage redefined expectations.
Other honourees included Dr. Nadine Itani, who was recognised for her extensive work as an aviation analyst and strategist, and institutions such as the International Aviation Academy and Al Jazeera Aviation Club, which were acknowledged for fostering female talent across the UAE.
Dr. Eng. Suaad Al Shamsi was awarded the Women in Aviation Leadership Award, while Aya Sader received the Innovation Award. Dr. Itani was also named the “Most Influential Woman in Aviation” for her enduring impact on the sector.
Discipline, professionalism, and legacy
Speaking to younger attendees, Sultan offered advice rooted in the profession’s demands. She emphasised that success in aviation isn’t built on dreams alone—it depends on structure, precision, and a deep respect for safety protocols.
“Discipline is not optional in this industry,” she said. “A two-minute delay has cascading effects. The lessons aviation teaches you—accountability, timing, integrity—will serve you in every area of life.”
Her parting message struck an emotional chord. “You don’t need permission to dream. You are enough. Your place in the sky is already yours—it’s only waiting for you to take flight.”
A sector on the cusp of transformation
As the conference ended, one thing was clear: the tide is turning. Women are not just entering the aviation industry—they are reshaping its culture, priorities, and future. With support from both the public and private sectors and a growing community of dedicated professionals, Women in Aviation—Middle East has laid the groundwork for lasting transformation.
The message to the industry is unmistakable: equity in aviation is not a favour—it is a necessity. The next generation of female leaders is already on the approach.
2025 Women in Aviation – Middle East Chapter awardees
Innovative Leader Award in Women in Aviation: Aya Sadder, Founder of BOLT Consultancy and Incubator Manager of Intelak
Women in Aviation Leadership Award: Dr. Eng. Suaad Al Shamsi, UAE’s first female aircraft engineer
Most Supportive Aviation Company (WAI-ME): International Aviation Academy
Best Educational Institution in the Aviation Field Award: Khalifa University
Best Training Institution in the Aviation Field Award: Pier 7 Aviation
Most Recognised Woman in Aviation Award: Dr. Nadine Itani, a leading academic and consultant
Achiever Award in Women in Aviation: Captain Samar Oran, pioneer pilot
Best Aviation Club Supporting Women Award: Jazira Aviation Club
Lifetime Achievement in Passenger Experience & Innovation Award: Fereshta Alawadhi, Emirates Airlines veteran
Hero image: Eng. Sheikh Salem bin Sultan bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Chairman of Ras Al Khaimah’s Department of Civil Aviation, delivers the opening keynote at the Women in Aviation conference, at the Airport Show on May 8, 2025. Credit: Airport Show
